History of MS & understanding of the disease

 

After having done some research on the disease’s history…this is what I found, interesting:

 

Mulitple Sclerosis Historical Facts

 

1400 — the earliest written record of someone with MS-like symptoms was Lydwina of Schieden, Dutch patron Saint of Ice Skaters.

 

1838 — medical drawings clearly show what we today recognize as MS, but 19th Century doctors did not understand what they saw and recorded.

 

1868 — Jean-Martin Charcot, professor of neurology at the University of Paris, wrote the first complete description of MS and the changes in the brain which accompany it. 

 

1878 — Myelin was discovered by Dr. Ranvier. 

 

1919 — Abnormalities in the spinal fluid were discovered in MS, but their significance remained puzzling for decades.

 

1920 — Men were thought to be more susceptible to MS than women, because women were often mistakenly diagnosed with “hysteria”, and also because it seemed that MS symptoms used to flair each month for most female MSers.

 

1925 — Lord Edgar Douglas Adrian recorded the first electrical nerve transmissions, which helped prove demyelinated nerve cannot sustain electrical impulses.

 

1928 — The oligodendrocyte cell that makes myelin was discovered.

 

1935 — Dr. Thomas Rivers demonstrated that nerve tissue, not viruses, produced an MS-like illness. This animal form of MS, called EAE, or experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, paved the way to present theories of auto-immunity, for it demonstrated the body can generate an immunologic attack against itself.

 

1965 — White blood cells that react against a protein in nerve insulating myelin were discovered in MS.

 

 

History of Medicine’s Understanding of Multiple Sclerosis

 

1890’s — caused by the suppression of sweat, treated with herbs & bed rest, life expectancy after diagnosis was 5 years.

1910’s — caused by an unknown blood toxin, treated with purgatives & stimulants, life expectancy after diagnosis was 10 years.

1940’s — caused by blood clots & poor circulation, treated with drugs that improve circulation, life expectancy after diagnosis was 18 years.

1960’s — caused by allergic reaction, treated with vitamins & antihistimines, life expectancy after diagnosis was 25 years.

1996 — caused by autoimmune reaction possibly linked to virus, treated with steriods & immune system regulating drugs, life expectancy after diagnosis is essentially normal for most.

Fingolimod and Cladribine: Show promising clinical trial results for MS therapy

I previously mentioned under the post ‘new MS drug discoveries’ (Sept. 11, 2008) how oral treatments for MS are to be released within the next six months… 

Well here is what I just found is being done… (as reported in ‘Medical News Today’

The results of current clinical trials on new substances for MS therapy are among the new research findings that are being discussed with particular interest at the ENS meeting. (…) An earlier study showed that oral fingolimod reduced the annualizied relapse rate in MS patients by more than 50 percent versus placebo. 

Professor Comi reports that “After four years, patients continuously treated with the substance had a low relapse rate, and 63% to 70% of these patients remain relapse free,” (…) “The majority of those patients treated also remained free from inflammatory activity and disability progression.” 

Another trial being presented in Milan by an international study group investigated the efficacy of a cladribine tablet therapy that is also in development. “Cladribine is a prodrug, and selective effects on lymphocytes provide targeted and sustained immunomodulation, permitting the investigation of an oral short-course annual treatment,” Professor Comi explained. The CLARTY study included 1,326 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. The results, summarized by Professor Comi, are very promising: “Treatment with two different doses cladribine tablets in the CLARTY study resulted in a significant reduction in relapse rates (-58% for low dose and -55% for high dose) and significant reduction in disability progression relative to placebo with both doses. When taken alongside the MRI and safety data, the results provide clear evidence supporting the key role of the drug in the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.” 

As always… promising news

Stem cells & MS – research update

Hey there!

here is an ‘update’ (as always from Medical News Today) on the stem cells post I posted on February 9th this year.

 

Bone marrow stem cell transplants used to reset the immune system and reverse the symptoms of MS!! The researchers claim that this additional piece of research provides another piece of evidence on what stems cells might one day do with regards to therapies and treatments for MS.

 

Some 81 percent of patients in the early phase study showed signs of improvement with the treatment, which used chemotherapy to destroy the immune system, and injections of the patient’s bone marrow cells taken beforehand to rebuild it. “We just start over with new cells from the stem cells,” said Dr. Richard Burt of Northwestern University in Chicago, whose study appears in the journal Lancet Neurology. 

 

Burt said the approach — called autologous non-myeloablative hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation — is a bit gentler than the therapy used in cancer patients because rather than destroying the entire bone marrow, it attacks just the immune system component of the marrow, making it less toxic. Burt and colleagues tried the treatment on 21 patients aged 20 to 53 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, an earlier stage in the disease in which symptoms come and go. Patients in the study were not helped by at least six months of standard treatment with interferon beta. After an average follow-up of about three years, 17 patients improved by at least one measure on a disability scale, and the disease stabilized in all patients. Patients continued to improve for up to 24 months after the transplant procedure, and then stabilized. Many had improvements in walking, vision, incontinence and limb strength.

 

“To date, all therapies for MS have been designed and approved because they slowed the rate of neurological decline. None of them has ever reversed neurological dysfunction, which is what this has done,” Burt said. 

 

It needs to be noted that the study however is under way and additional research needs to be done.

Post-partum breast feeding & MS

From: Medical News Today 09.06.09 & 12.06.09.

 

Women with multiple sclerosis who breastfeed exclusively for at least two months appear less likely to experience a relapse within a year after their baby’s birth, according to a report posted online today that will appear in the August print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

 

Researchers found that women who breastfed their babies exclusively (without giving supplemental bottles) for at least the first two months post-partum were less likely to have an MS relapse than those who did not breastfeed or who did not breastfeed exclusively during the first two months (36% who breastfed exclusively experienced a relapse, as compared to 87% who did not breastfeed or who supplemented with formula).

While the study is small, it focuses attention on a quandary facing women with MS and their doctors: the crucial time period after giving birth, when there is a higher risk for relapse, and many women are advised to go back on their disease-modifying therapies as soon as possible. Since there is insufficient evidence to support the safety of breastfeeding while using any of these therapies, most babies born to moms with MS are bottle fed, despite known health benefits of breastfeeding for infants. More research is needed to help guide postpartum treatment decisions.

 

For more information follow “Medical News Today” under links.

Hydrangea root treatment for MS & other autoimmune diseases

This is another promising study for the treatment of MS published in Medical News Today (June 5&6 2009):

US researchers found that a drug made from the root of the hydrangea plant, which has for centuries been used in Chinese medicine, showed promising results in treating autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, eczema and psoriasis.

………………..

In this study, the authors report how a small molecule called halofuginone (extracted from hydrangea root) selectively stops Th17 cells being made, without affecting the other CD4+ T cells, thus showing how it might be possible to stop the immune system from over-producing harmful Th17 cell responses.

They also showed that halofuginone reduced disease symptoms in mice bred with autoimmune disorders.

………………..

In this study the researchers appear to have found a way, using halofuginone as the fine tuning tool, to selectively reduce production of Th17 cells and thereby only switching off the inflammatory response without altering the function of other parts of the immune system. The other good thing about this discovery is that halofuginone can be taken by mouth: no injection necessary.

For complete details on this study visit the source under links.

best and keep it up! )

A diabetes drug helps MS

and yet again… a drug that wasn’t meant for treatment of MS seems to have a positive effect on MS! 

from the Medical News Today link (news dates 27.5.2009): 

A drug currently FDA-approved for use in diabetes shows some protective effects in the brains of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine report in a study currently available online in the Journal of Neuroimmunology. 

In a small, double-blinded clinical trial, patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis were assigned to take pioglitazone (a drug commercially known as Actos used to treat type-2 diabetes) or a placebo. Patients continued their normal course of therapy during the trial. 

Standard neurological tests were done initially, as were MRI scans to provide baseline values for lesions typically seen in MS patients. The patients were evaluated every two months, and blood samples were taken. Repeat MRI scans were done after five months and again after one year. 

Patients taking pioglitazone showed significantly less loss of gray matter over the course of the one-year trial than patients taking placebo. Of the 21 patients who finished the study, patients taking pioglitazone had no adverse reactions and, further, found taking pioglitazone, which is administered in an oral tablet, easy. 

“This is very encouraging,” said Douglas Feinstein, research professor of anesthesiology at UIC. “Gray matter in the brain is the part that is rich in neurons. These preliminary results suggest that the drug has important effects on neuronal survival.” 

Feinstein’s lab has been interested in the class of drugs called thiazolidinediones, or TZDs. Several TZDs have been approved for use in the treatment of type-2 diabetes because of the drugs’ effect on the body’s response to insulin. 

The researchers focused on pioglitazone because of its known anti-inflammatory effects, Feinstein said. They used primary cultures of brain cells to show that pioglitazone reduced the production of toxic chemicals called cytokines and reactive oxygen species. These molecules are believed to be important in the development of symptoms in MS. 

Feinstein’s lab proceeded to test pioglitazone in an animal model of MS. They and others showed that pioglitazone and other TZDs “can significantly reduce the clinical signs in mice with an MS-type disease,” said Feinstein. 

“More importantly, when mice who are already ill are treated with pioglitazone, the clinical signs of the disease go away,” he said. “We were able to induce almost complete remissions in a number of mice.” 

“We are now working to determine the mechanisms to explain the protective effect on neurons that we see in our studies,” said Feinstein. “We hope to expand into a larger trial to confirm these preliminary results.” 

May 27th WORLD MS DAY!

hi all!

hope you get/got to celebrate this day! think about all the progresses we’ve had so far and never give up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJzyfR6dbT8 

http://www.worldmsday.org

best!

S

Cholesterol may protect from MS disability…

Sounds like an interesting connection… will make sure I ask my doctor about my cholesterol level next time I see him..I am taking fish oil (omega-3) supplements anyways..but still..curious about this connection between cholesterol & MS

Reuters, 28.04.2009 - By Megan Rauscher

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – High levels of HDL (”good”) cholesterol may help protect against disabilities related to multiple sclerosis or MS.

HDL has anti-inflammatory properties and thus it might benefit MS, a disease of chronic inflammation. Preliminary data to support this theory were reported today at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in Seattle.

The findings, study investigator Dr. Bianca Weinstock-Guttman told Reuters Health, suggest that people with MS should have their HDL levels checked. If they’re low, “consider dietary and medical interventions, such as statins and fish oil (omega -3) supplements, which are known to increase HDL levels.”

Weinstock-Guttman and colleagues from the State University of New York at Buffalo analyzed clinical, demographic and HDL data on 186 MS patients whose average age was 50 years.

At the start of the study, almost 20 percent of the participants had low HDL levels while close to 50 percent had high levels.

Over the next 6 years, an association between the level of HDL cholesterol and the level of disability became apparent. Patients with higher scores on the Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS) initially were significantly less likely to have high levels of HDL at follow-up, the investigators report in printed information made available at the meeting.

“We found that the patients with greater disability, or higher EDSS scores, were almost twice as likely to have low HDL levels compared to patients with less disability, or lower EDSS scores,” Weinstock-Guttman added in comments to Reuters Health.

Further studies regarding the relationship between HDL levels and MS disease progression are warranted, the investigators conclude.

“Increase in HDL is an important factor known to prevent cardiovascular events but also appears beneficial in preventing chronic inflammation,” Weinstock-Guttman noted, adding that both statins and omega-3s have preliminarily shown “beneficial effects for MS patients.“

source: http://www.reuters.com/article/email/idUSTRE53R7CG20090429

CANCER PILL & MS!!

this is taken from bbc.co.uk dating April 29th ‘09… it is rather interesting… yet again there seems to be a connection between cancer & MS…promising (similar to my post on leukemia & MS on Oct. 24th 2008…)

Cancer pill ‘offers MS benefits’

The drug would be in tablet form Courses of a common cancer drug can dramatically reduce the risk of a patient with multiple sclerosis having a relapse or deterioration, work shows. Taking cladribine a few times a year more than halved the chances of a relapse, with few side-effects, the UK study of 1,300 patients found. UK expert Professor Gavin Giovannoni said the drug could revolutionise the treatment of MS. Its manufacturer Merck Serono hopes to seek licensing for its use this year. The drug is already licensed for treating leukaemia. The evidence is there, but we now need to see cladribine move smoothly through the regulatory process and the price the manufacturer sets will play a crucial part in that Dr Lee Dunster, head of research at the MS Society Prof Giovannoni gave his assessment of its potential value to MS patients at a meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Seattle. The UK’s drugs watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, is considering including cladribine in its next round of assessments. Cladribine works by suppressing the immune system, reducing the risk of further damage to a patient’s nervous system. Patients who took the drug were 30% less likely to suffer worsening in their disability due to MS. Easy to take The study involved over 1,300 MS patients who were followed up for nearly two years and monitored using MRI scans. Patients were given either two or four treatment courses of cladribine tablets per year, or a placebo. Having an effective oral therapy will have a major impact for people with MS Professor Giovannoni Each course consists of a single tablet per day for four or five days, adding up to just eight to 20 days of treatment each year. If it becomes available to patients, cladribine will be the first licensed treatment for MS which does not involve regular injections. Professor Giovannoni, of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, part of Queen Mary, University of London, said: “These results are really exciting. MS can be a very debilitating illness and at the moment treatment options remain limited. “Having an effective oral therapy will have a major impact for people with MS. “Our study shows that cladribine tablets prevent relapses and slow down the progression of the disease, making patients feel better. “Importantly, it does so without the need for constant injections that are associated with unpleasant side-effects. “We will continue to follow the patients in the trial to see how they fare in the long-term.” Dr Lee Dunster, head of research at the MS Society, said: “These are remarkable results and being able to take a tablet instead of having injections will be a huge step forward for people with MS. “The evidence is there, but we now need to see cladribine move smoothly through the regulatory process and the price the manufacturer sets will play a crucial part in that.” It is estimated that 85,000 people in the UK currently have MS, with 2,500 new cases diagnosed each year.

Vitamin D link to MS…

The first two paragraphs are from Medical News Today (found under ‘links’) and the last one is from the UK’s Telegraph (link provided here).

Interesting connection…my diagnose came after I moved from ’sunny’ – tropical climate to Scandinavia…hm… wonder if my mother was not consuming ‘enough’ D vitamins during pregnancy..? :p

Vitamin D And Gene Variant Affect MS Risk

Researchers in the UK and Canada have discovered that vitamin D and a particular gene variant interact to increase the risk of developing MS, and suggested that vitamin D deficiency during fetal growth and early childhood may increase the risk of developing MS in later life.

Genetic Study Shows Direct Link Between Vitamin D And MS Susceptibility ‘Gene’

Scientists have found evidence that a direct interaction between vitamin D and a common genetic variant alters the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The causes of MS are unclear, but it has become evident that both environmental and genetic factors play a role. Previous studies have shown that populations from Northern Europe have an increased MS risk if they live in areas receiving less sunshine. This supports a direct link between deficiency in vitamin D, which is produced in the body through the action of sunlight, and increased risk of developing the condition.

Vitamin D for pregnant women could cut MS rates

Giving all pregnant women vitamin D supplements could cut the number of MS sufferers by up to 80 %, new research suggests. Scientists have proved a long suspected link between Vitamin D and MS, a finding that could prevent tens of thousands of people developing the condition in future generations

They suspected that vitamin D, which is produced by the body when it comes into contact with sunlight, could play a key role. In laboratory experiments they discovered that vitamin D has a direct impact on a sequence of DNA known to be key to the disease. In particular it played a vital role in making the genes develop and perform properly. “If too little of the vitamin is available, the genes may not function properly”

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

New drug – better walking ability for MS patients!

Improvement Of Walking Ability In People With Multiple Sclerosis – Acorda Therapeutics Submits New Drug Application For Fampridine-SR (February 03.2009 – Medical News Today)

A new drug has been developed to improve the walking abilities in people with MS!! We all know that walking impairment is one of the most pervasive and alarming aspects of MS for us patients, our families and health care providers. So far, there were no medicines that would improve walking ability in people with MS. Thus, Fampridine-SR may represent an important new approach to treating and helping people with MS!

About Fampridine-SR

Fampridine-SR is a sustained-release tablet formulation of the investigational drug fampridine (4-aminopyridine or 4-AP). In laboratory studies, fampridine has been found to improve impulse conduction in nerve fibers in which the insulating layer, called myelin, has been damaged. As of June 2008, the Company completed two successful Phase 3 clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Fampridine-SR in improving walking ability in people with MS.

Stem cells ‘reverse’ MS !?!?

Yet again..an encouraging news!! (I know..it came out January 30th but I just found the time to put it on now..so forgive me for the delay:)

“Stem cell transplants could provide a cure for multiple sclerosis”, The Sun reported. It said that in a recent trial of 21 patients with MS, 17 had shown improvement three years after being injected with cells from their own bone marrow. The newspaper said the stem cells appear to reduce the inflammation that can worsen the disease. The study leader was quoted as saying: “It seems to prevent neurological progression and reverse disability.”

The news story is based on an early phase trial, which found that stem cell transplants reversed neurological deficits in people with relapsing-remitting MS, the most common form of the disease. It did not look at other forms of the condition, such as secondary progressive MS. Patients were compared before and after the transplant, and the results were promising, with sustained improvements in disability in 81% of patients.

As is usual when testing treatments, the intervention will go on to be tested in larger, controlled trials, probably randomised controlled trials across different centres. Until then, the researchers emphasize that it’s not possible to determine whether this treatment is better than existing treatments for relapsing-remitting MS.

Further details on this story can be found here: nhs.uk

Stem Cell Transplant Trial Results – Comment By The Multiple Sclerosis Society in brief:

Dr Doug Brown, Research Manager at the MS Society, said: “These are very encouraging results and it’s exciting to see that in this trial not only is progression of disability halted, but damage appears to be reversed. “Stem cells are showing more and more potential in the treatment of MS and the challenge we now face is proving their effectiveness in trials involving large numbers of people.”

The whole article can be found under the medical news today link.. or just click here

No more injections for MS patients..? nice :o)

New Interferon formulations promise to eliminate injections in MS treatment.

This is great news for all of us “needle-lovers” )

Nerveda Inc. and Aegis Therapeutics LLC announced on January 12^th 2009 the preclinical results from their joint collaboration aimed at developing non-injectable formulations of the beta-interferons.

The beta interferons, beta-1a (tradename Rebif(R)), and beta 1b (tradenames Betaseron(R) and Betaferon(R)) are closely related injectable protein drugs in the interferon family that are used to treat both the relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The beta interferons are currently administered by subcutaneous injection and have been proven clinically to slow the advance of multiple sclerosis and reduce the frequency of attacks.

for more info: link

My MS update…

About a month ago I received great news about my progress with MS. I have done an MRI scan as part of the “evaluation” for the Tysabri treatment… and the results were great Three years ago I had 13 lesions, 3 of which were active… this time.. I had less than 9 lesions, none active, and no new ones! It was the greatest news ever and I was so happy.. all my efforts paid off.. the fight must now go on.. easier said than done..but I am motivated to go on and fight MS..!

For the past three years I’ve gone through so many different things that I cannot possibly pinpoint only one as the reason for my improvement. But I will include all of the things that I’ve done during these years which might have all together contributed to the improvement..

First of all, I believe that the fact that I immediately started treatment when I was diagnosed and continued to do so throughout these years has helped as well. I also went from eating everything (not paying too much attention to the right ‘diet’) to leading a healthier life. This included not only the elimination of unnecessary fats but also the consumption of vitamins and regular exercise.

For a year and a half I was going to the physiotherapist every week on a regular basis where I was doing exercises aimed at restoring balance, and gaining back strength among other things. For the past 4 months I had the opportunity to use also a swimming pool, a sauna, different Turkish baths and a greater array of gym equipments. I believe exercising also helped me feel better with myself and keep my mind ‘free’ from worries…at least for the time being…it simply made me feel good

At the beginning of 2008 I started on a Chinese herbal tea “especially made” to treat my MS (this lasted for a month circa). After that, in March 2008, I started following an orthomolecular approach to MS – an alternative method to treating MS whereby more than the usual amount of vitamin intake was recommended (vitamins particularly aimed at people with MS:) as well as the elimination of all heavy metals in the body (this included the elimination of all amalgam from my teeth). The orthomolecular treatment also included an intravenous one-hour “cleansing” of the system right after all metals were removed from my teeth.

I believe that leading a more “relaxed” life also contributed a lot. I know for fact that when I am stressed my MS acts out (I feel it in my body – I get ‘attacks’ …). The sessions I’ve had with my psychologist have helped me a lot in terms of getting to know myself better and learning to stress down – I see a big difference there – as well as learning to pace myself…

I know that MS is different from person to person.. but getting to understand your body & how MS affects it, learning how to pace yourself, together with a healthier diet, regular exercise, and a stress-free approach to life might be the starting point to improving your MS as well!

Best of luck for the coming new year to all! )

Leukemia drug & MS!

The work is still at an early stage but Alemtuzumab appears to stop progression of MS in patients with early stage active relapsing-remitting MS.

However, it can produce potentially serious side-effects, they warn! In particular low platelets, which can cause bleeding and unfortunately one patient in study II died.

Alemtuzumab – a type of drug known as a monoclonal antibody – was created at Cambridge in the late 1970s, and has long been used to treat leukaemia by killing off the cancerous white cells of the immune system.

The study also suggests the drug may repair previous damage:

The latest three-year study, of 334 patients with relapsing-remitting MS which had yet to be treated, found that the drug cut the number of attacks of disease by 74% more than the reduction achieved by conventional interferon-beta therapy. Alemtuzumab also reduced the risk of sustained accumulation of disability by 71% compared to beta-interferon. People on the trial who received the drug also recovered some function that had been thought to be permanently lost, and as a result were less disabled after three years than at the beginning of the study.

The researchers said the findings suggested that alemtuzumab may allow damaged brain tissue to repair itself. However they stress that more work is needed to confirm these findings and actually use the drug for MS!

Information about this can be found under the medical news today link or bbc..cnn..

Heads up! )

NEW MS drug discoveries!

Summary from CNS Drug Discoveries – focus on the multiple sclerosis market.

With the launch of up to 12 new disease-modifying agents, three vaccines and one novel drug designed to treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and improve quality of life, the MS market is in an exciting phase of evolution.

The MS market is estimated to be worth almost US$8 billion in 2008, with a growth rate of 10.6% year-on-year. It is the fifth largest segment of the CNS markets considered in this report and has attracted considerable R&D investment from the big pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and specialty pharma.

Over the next six years a number of oral agents are expected to be launched that could drastically change the way in which MS patients are treated. These include: Novartis’ fingolimod, Teva’s laquinimod, Merck KGaA’s Mylinax (cladribine), sanofi-aventis’ teriflunomide and Biogen Idec’s BG-12 in Phase III development, and GSK/Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma’s firategrast, MediciNova’s ibudilast and Biogen/UCB’s CDP323 in Phase II development.

Three companies have taken on the ambitious task of developing vaccines to treat MS and each has adopted a unique approach to addressing the underlying causes of the disease. Orchestra Therapeutic’s NeuroVax targets three proteins expressed on T-cell receptors whilst Opexa Therapeutics’ Tovaxin uses attenuated autologous cells to stimulant an immune response. Bayhill Therapeutics is developing BHT-3009, a tolerising DNA vaccine. All vaccines are in Phase II development and could reach market by 2012.

for more info visit:

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reportinfo.asp?report_id=649315&t=d&cat_id=

New ‘wheelchair’…that is..an alternative..

I saw this yesterday on TV..and I was really pleased to hear about this invention.. here is the news from BBC.. the video can be found here:robo-skeleton

Robo-skeleton lets paralysed walk

Radi Kaiof has been paralysed for the last 20 years

A robotic suit is helping people paralysed from the waist down do what was previously considered impossible – stand, walk and climb stairs.

ReWalk users wear a backpack device and braces on their legs and select the activity they want from a remote control wrist band.

Leaning forwards activates body sensors setting the robotic legs in motion.

Users walk with crutches, controlling the suit through changes in centre of gravity and upper body movements.

The device effectively mimics the exoskeletion of a crab.

Former Israeli paratrooper Radi Kaiof has been paralysed for the last 20 years following an injury during his service in the Israeli military.

He says the device has changed his life.

“I never dreamed I would walk again. After I was wounded, I forgot what it’s like. Only when standing up can I feel how tall I really am and speak to people eye to eye, not from below.”

Robo-suit

The device, which is now in clinical trials in Tel Aviv’s Sheba Medical Centre, is the brainchild of engineer Amit Goffer, founder of Argo Medical Technologies, a small Israeli high-tech company.

It was Goffer’s own paralysis that inspired him to look for an alternative to the wheelchair for mobility.

The company claims that by maintaining users upright on a daily basis, and exercising even paralysed limbs in the course of movement, the device can alleviate many of the health-related problems associated with long-term wheelchair use.

Kate Parkin, director of physical and occupational therapy at NYU Medical Center in the US said the potential benefits to the user were two-fold.

“Physically, the body works differently when upright. You can challenge different muscles and allow full expansion of the lungs.

“Psychologically, it lets people live at the upright level and make eye contact.”

Dr Mark Bacon, an expert at the UK charity Spinal Research, said: “There are a number of devices about which stabilise the trunk and can help with gait.

“Often they are very bulky and are only used for rehabilitation in specialist centres.”

He said ReWalk might be a good option for some people.

“Sitting down in a wheelchair can be an issue for some people. Devices like this one might be appealing. However, it might not be any better than a wheelchair in terms of convenience.

“And these devices are only suitable for people who still have good control over their hands and shoulders.”

New PML cases – a total of only 5 so far..

Medical News Today

Dated: Aug 04th 2008.

A report from Biogen Idec has confirmed two further cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the EU.

The first person had an aggressive form of MS and had been taking Tysabri for approximately 17 months. They are now in a stable condition at home. The second person had taken Tysabri for around 14 months and is currently in hospital. Possible signs and symptoms of PML were identified through the risk management program which monitors for signs of the condition.

As of the end of June 2008 more than 31,800 people worldwide are being treated with Tysabri. The two new cases of PML were confirmed at the end of July 2008, bringing the total of people who have developed PML to five.

Lee Dunster, Head of Research at the MS Society, said: ‘We know the reports of two new cases of PML will be of some concern to people who are taking the drug, however we would reassure people that the risk of developing these serious side effects remains very small. As with all treatments, the benefits must be weighed with the risks of side effects and these issues should be discussed fully between you and your doctor.’

Does a cannabis compound slow down MS..?

…we shall soon find out ;o)

Medical News Today, 22.07.2008

The CUPID (Cannabinoid Use in Progressive Inflammatory brain Disease) study at the Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth has reached an important milestone with the news that the full cohort of 493 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been recruited to the study.
CUPID is a clinical trial which will evaluate whether tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of many compounds found in the in the cannabis plant (and the main active ingredient) is able to slow the progression of MS.
This is an important study for people with MS because current treatments either target the immune system in the early stages of MS, or are aimed at easing specific symptoms such as muscle spasms or bladder problems. At present there is no treatment which slows progression of the disease.
The CUPID trial follows an earlier study – Cannabinoids and Multiple Sclerosis (CAMS) – which suggested a link between THC and the slowing of MS. The CAMS trial saw participants take THC for a year – the CUPID trial will last for longer and aims to assess the effect of THC on progressive MS.
It has taken two years to recruit the 493 participants who will each take part in the trial for three years, and in some cases three and a half years. After data cleaning and analysis the results should be available by spring/early summer 2012.
Professor John Zajicek from the Peninsula Medical School, who heads the team carrying out the CUPID study, said: “We are delighted to have achieved the correct number of patient participants for this trial. Patients have been recruited from 27 sites across the UK. If we are able to prove beyond reasonable doubt the link between THC and the slowing down of progressive MS, we will be able to develop an effective therapy for the many thousands of MS sufferers around the world.”
This study should provide the definitive answer as to whether cannabinoids will prove to halt progression in MS.

The Right Treatment For MS Depends On Disease Subtype!

Medical News Today

July 2nd ‘08

Animal studies by University of Michigan scientists suggest that people who experience the same clinical signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) may have different forms of the disease that require different kinds of treatment. The results, if borne out in further studies, point to a time when doctors will be able to target specific inflammatory processes in the body and more effectively help MS patients, using available drugs and new ones in the pipeline.

Since the 1990s, the treatment picture has brightened for people with multiple sclerosis in its most common form, relapsing-remitting MS. Beta interferon drugs and glatiramer acetate (marketed as Copaxone) have proved effective at decreasing the attack rate and suppressing inflammatory plaque development in many patients with MS. Yet why the drugs help some patients, but not others, has remained a mystery.

The U-M research team conducted the studies in mice that have a disease similar to MS: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis or EAE. The team found that different inflammatory chemicals, whose activity is linked to two different types of immune system T cells, could bring on the same paralysis and other MS-like signs. They also showed that drugs that block one of the inflammation pathways were not effective at blocking the other. The results, published online ahead of print, appeared in the July 7 issue of the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

“These two forms of disease differ in the specific anti-inflammatory agents that they are responsive to,” says Benjamin Segal, M.D., the study’s senior author and the director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at the U-M Health System. “We already know that some people respond better to the drugs beta interferon or Copaxone than others. Now we’ve shown proof that you can cause MS-like syndrome in mice due to qualitatively different types of inflammatory damage. As a result, these two kinds of inflammation likely require different approaches to treatment,” says Segal. He directs the Holtom-Garrett Program in Neuroimmunology and is the Holtom-Garrett Family Professor of Neurology at the U-M Medical School.

It’s not yet known whether the same differences will prove true in people with MS. But the study suggests the need to develop drugs tailored to affect distinct inflammation pathways that might drive different forms of relapsing-remitting MS.

“We speculate at some point being able to identify and measure active inflammatory agents in patients, and to develop customized profiles that would help predict what treatments will be effective,” Segal says.

Research details and further implications can be found on the source’s webpage (medical news today – also found under ‘links’).

Going ‘green’ with MS…:o)

I have come across some interesting alternative approaches for the treatment of MS. Here is what I’ve taken from (http://www.mothernature.com):

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). This practice, known as urtication, involves taking the fresh plant, which is covered with tiny, hair-like stingers, and simply slapping it against your exposed skin. (Remember to wear gloves whenever you handle this plant). It provides microinjections of a number of potentially beneficial chemicals. Among these compounds is histamine, the chemical that often induces allergies like hay fever. Several compounds in stinging nettle might have effects similar to bee stings (Yes, some people with MS have benefited from being stung by bees, a form of therapy that is occasionally recommended by proponents of alternative healing methods for people with MS). After use, the plant recharges its micro-injector needles and can be used again and again. There have been no reports (in the US at least) of serious allergic reactions to stinging nettle.

Black currant (Ribes nigrum). Black currant oil contains a compound known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that is thought to be useful in treating MS. Herb advocate Andrew Weil, M.D., professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and author of Natural Health, Natural Medicine, strongly endorses GLA as an effective anti-inflammatory for treating autoimmune disorders. He recommends taking 500 milligrams of black currant oil twice a day and says improvement can be expected after eight weeks. GLA can also be found in borage and evening primrose oil (EPO), but black currant oil may be cheaper.

Blueberry (Vaccinium, various species). These berries contain compounds known as oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs). The biochemistry of OPCs is complicated, but there’s good evidence to show that they help prevent the breakdown of certain tissues, such as the myelin sheaths that surround the nerve fibers. OPCs also have anti-inflammatory activity that might help relieve MS symptoms. This sounds like a good reason to eat more blueberries.

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). Like black currant oil, EPO is rich in GLA. British herbalist David Hoffmann, author of The Herbal Handbook, says that EPO is “recommended in all cases” of MS.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus). Pineapple contains enzymes, pancreatin and bromelain, that break up protein molecules. Besides being anti-inflammatories, these enzymes have been shown to help reduce the level of circulating immune complexes (CICs). High levels of CICs occur in a number of autoimmune diseases, including MS. These immune complexes activate the immune system to attack the body, ultimately leading to tissue damage.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and other foods containing magnesium. In a letter to the British medical journal Lancet some years ago, a British biochemist with MS said that supplemental magnesium by itself worked better for him than all other supplemental vitamins and minerals. He took 375 milligrams a day. (The Daily Value is 400 milligrams.). I am personally taking magnesium as recommended by my doctor (the one from the orthomolecular clinic I visited) he also said magnesium is of great help to people with MS. If you’d like your magnesium from an herbal source, purslane is the herb richest in this mineral, at nearly 2 percent on a dry-weight basis, followed by poppy seeds, cowpeas and spinach. I steam purslane like spinach and eat it raw in salads. A heaping serving of steamed greens could provide as much magnesium as the biochemist took. So would eight ounces of fresh greens.

“SCLEROSI MULTIPLA: CACCIA AL RESPONSABILE, NUOVE CURE”

Sorry…in Italian…it talks about the ‘new cures’ for MS through the use of stem cells research..and the Epstein barr virus as a possible cause of MS..

ROMA – Il futuro della lotta alla Sclerosi Multipla (SM) passa dalla ‘caccia’ al possibile responsabile della malattia, ma anche ad una cura che utilizzi le staminali per riparare i danni causati. Sono questi due dei progetti finanziati dalla Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (Fism), descritti in occasione della presentazione a Roma della settimana nazionale dedicata alla malattia dal 17 al 25 maggio che celebra anche i 40 anni dell’associazione dei pazienti di questa malattia, l’Aism.

La ricerca italiana nel campo della malattia e’ all’avanguardia al mondo, ed e’ firmato da italiani il 10% dei 2400 articoli scientifici che appaiono ogni anno sull’argomento, con la Fism che ne finanzia il 70%. Fra le terapie piu’ promettenti quelle che utilizzano le cellule staminali adulte di diversi tipi. A Milano un gruppo di ricercatori dell’Istituto San Raffaele sta sperimentando quelle neurali, che iniettate nelle cavie hanno dimostrato di essere in grado di raggiungere selettivamente le aree del cervello danneggiate dalla malattia e di favorire la riparazione del tessuto danneggiato:”In cinque anni speriamo di avere i primi risultati sull’uomo nell’ambito della sicurezza – ha spiegato Gianvito Martino, che coordina la ricerca – e quindi di passare a sperimentazioni controllate di questa che e’ una delle possibili terapie”.

Oltre alle cure, gli sforzi dei ricercatori si stanno concentrando sulle cause della malattia, ancora non chiarite. Un’ipotesi in questo senso e’ che sia coinvolto il Virus di Epstein-Barr, quello responsabile della mononucleosi. Anche in questo caso e’ stata una ricerca italiana ad individuare il possibile responsabile, coordinato da Francesca Aloisi dell’Iss:”Grazie a questo studio abbiamo visto che il virus riesce a raggiungere le cellule neurali – ha spiegato Marco Salvetti dell’Ospedale Sant’Andrea di Roma – ma ora dobbiamo verificare che sia proprio questo agente ambientale il responsabile, senza dimenticare che ci sono anche fattori genetici ed altri sconosciuti alla base della malattia”. La settimana della Sclerosi Multipla iniziera’ con un convegno scientifico sulle ricerche il 17 e il 18 maggio a Roma. Il 17 ci sara’ anche un concerto dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia all’auditorium di Roma. Dal 12 al 31 maggio sara’ possibile donare due euro con un sms o una telefonata al numero 48543. Gli eventi saranno chiusi il 22 maggio con una cerimonia al palazzo del Quirinale.

Source: www.ansa.it

Daily Diet – MS…and in general..:o)

Sclerosis is no longer a disease one is powerless about. Nowadays, even though the disease itself cannot be cured, there are different medical treatments, and the disease’s activity can be slowed down with immunomodulators. A healthy diet is advisable by many as well.. I will later on write some recipes for a “healthy MS diet”  but first, here are seven advises for a good ‘daily diet’ you should practice:

1.       Meat: lean, max twice a week.

2.       Egg: 1 egg max twice a week.

3.        Milk/cheese: low-fat, in moderate portions.

4.       Fish: gladly 2-3 times a week.

5.       Oil: 1-3 spoons of cold-pressed vegetable oil a day.

6.       Vegetables  & fruits: many times daily, fresh or frozen.

Whole-grain products are preferred

7.       Sugar, alcohol, smoking, other individual intolerances: reduce as much as possible.

* Regular meals and smaller snacks are recommended especially when having tiredness-related problems.

The different MS Drugs – a comparison

Drug Name	Interferon beta-1a (Avonex)
Description	Prescribed in USA as Avonex, administered by IM route (Biogen). Avonex is indicated for treatment of patients with relapsing forms of MS to slow the accumulation of physical disability and to decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with MS in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with MS. Safety and efficacy in patients with chronic progressive MS have not been established. Believed to act via ability to counteract cell surface expression of proinflammatory or pro-adhesion molecules on immune cells, among other effects. More studies needed to fully understand mechanisms of action. Differs from interferon beta-1b (Betaseron, see below) only in that it has amino acid sequence identical to that of natural compound and is glycosylated. Presence of glycosylation is claimed to lead to structural stability and presumably to higher biological potency. Interferons act through common receptor that activates Jak/Stat pathway of signal transduction molecules, which, in turn, leads to activation of interferon-responsive genes. Interferon beta may decrease expression of B7-1 (a proinflammatory molecule) on surface of immune cells and increase levels of TGF-beta (anti-inflammatory molecule) in circulation of patients with MS. Interferon beta-1a is the only ABCR drug administered on a weekly schedule. Frequency of development of neutralizing antibodies against interferon is higher with interferon beta-1b than with interferon beta-1a, but clinical significance of neutralizing antibodies still unclear and controversial. May delay progression of disease in patients that have only manifested one clinical attack but have MRI evidence of MS.
Adult Dose	30 mcg IM weekly
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; liver dysfunction; severe leukopenia; thrombocytopenia; lactation
Interactions	None reported
Pregnancy	X – Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk
Precautions	Common adverse effect is flu-like reaction following administration, usually lasting minutes or hours; 88% of patients no longer experience this effect after second month of treatment Flu-like effects can be minimized by taking over-the-counter acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen a few hours prior to and a few hours after injection; besides flu-like illness, patients may experience injection-site skin reactions which may range from mild (slight erythema) to severe (skin necrosis). Adverse effects may include hepatotoxicity (liver enzyme elevation) and myelosuppression (leukopenia); caution in preexisting seizure disorder; cases of exacerbation of thyroid dysfunction have been described-caution when using in patients with uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction; interferons are abortifacients; data on human teratogenicity are limited; extreme caution in patients with severe depression

Drug Name	Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron in US, Betaferon in Europe)
Description	Indicated for treatment of relapsing forms of MS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations (Europe indications include treatment of secondary progressive MS with active disease). Acts via ability to counteract cell surface expression of proinflammatory or pro-adhesion molecules on immune cells, among other effects. More studies needed to fully understand mechanisms of action. May decrease expression of B7-1 (proinflammatory molecule) on surface of immune cells and increase levels of TGF-beta (anti-inflammatory) in circulation of patients with MS. Acts through common receptor that activates Jak/Stat pathway of signal transduction molecules, which, in turn, leads to activation of interferon-responsive genes. Frequency of development of neutralizing antibodies against interferon is higher with interferon beta-1b than with interferon beta-1a, but interferon beta-1b nAbs disappear faster. The clinical significance of nAbs is still unclear and controversial.
Adult Dose	8 million U SC qod (high-dose, high-frequency interferon)
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; liver dysfunction; severe leukopenia; thrombocytopenia; lactation
Interactions	None reported
Pregnancy	X – Contraindicated; benefit does not outweigh risk
Precautions	Has adverse effect profile similar to Avonex (ie, flu-like reaction following administration tends to disappear after 2 mo on drug); flu-like effects can be minimized by taking over-the-counter acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen a few hours prior to and a few hours after injection; besides flu-like illness, patients may experience injection-site skin reactions Adverse effects may include hepatotoxicity (liver enzyme elevation) and myelosuppression (leukopenia); cases of exacerbation of thyroid dysfunction have been described-caution when using in patients with uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction; interferons are abortifacients; data on human teratogenicity are limited; use with extreme caution in patients with severe depression

Drug Name	Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
Description	Mix of amino acids proposed to mimic myelin proteins when presented on surface of antigen-presenting cells. Copaxone is indicated for reduction of the frequency of relapses in patients with RRMS. In theory, lymphocytes reactive against CNS myelin would be diverted to bind to Copaxone in circulation, thus decreasing entry of immune cells across blood-brain barrier. Most mechanisms of action, however, remain unknown, and wider effect on immune system responsiveness may be at play. Has safest side effect profile of ABCRs.
Adult Dose	20 mg SC qd
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; pregnancy and lactation
Interactions	None reported
Pregnancy	B – Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions	Common adverse effects are sensation of chest tightness or flushing following administration; no evidence of heart arrhythmias, angina, or pleuritic involvement Other adverse effects include palpitations, shortness of breath, hypertonia, sweating, diarrhea, insomnia, nausea, injection-site skin reactions, and lipoatrophic lesions

Drug Name	Interferon beta-1a (Rebif)
Description	Indicated for treatment of relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations and delay the accumulation of physical disability. Believed to act via ability to counteract cell surface expression of proinflammatory or pro-adhesion molecules on immune cells, among other effects. More studies needed to fully understand mechanisms of action. Differs from interferon beta-1b (Betaseron, see above) only in that it has amino acid sequence identical to that of natural compound and is glycosylated. Presence of glycosylation is claimed to lead to structural stability and presumably to higher biological potency. Interferons act through common receptor that activates Jak/Stat pathway of signal transduction molecules, which, in turn, leads to activation of interferon-responsive genes. Interferon beta may decrease expression of B7-1 (a proinflammatory molecule) on surface of immune cells and increase levels of TGF-beta (anti-inflammatory) in circulation of patients with MS. Frequency of development of neutralizing antibodies against interferon is higher with interferon beta-1b than with interferon beta-1a, but clinical significance still unclear and controversial. For instance, neutralizing antibodies in patients taking interferon beta-1b disappear faster than those in patients taking interferon beta-1a. May delay progression of disease in patients that have only manifested one clinical attack but have MRI evidence of MS.
Adult Dose	44 mcg/dose SC 3 times/wk (at least 48 h between each dose) (high-dose, high-frequency interferon)
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; liver dysfunction; severe leukopenia; thrombocytopenia; lactation
Interactions	None reported
Pregnancy	C – Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Common adverse effect is flu-like reaction following administration, usually lasting minutes or hours; 88% of patients no longer experience this effect after second mo of treatment Flu-like effects can be minimized by taking over-the-counter acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen a few hours prior to and a few hours after injection; besides flu-like illness, patients may experience injection-site skin reactions, which may range from mild (slight erythema or stinging sensations) to severe (skin necrosis) Adverse effects may include hepatotoxicity (liver enzyme elevation) and myelosuppression (leukopenia); caution in preexisting seizure disorder; cases of exacerbation of thyroid dysfunction have been described-caution when using in patients with uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction; interferons are abortifacients; data on teratogenicity are limited; extreme caution in patients with severe depression

Drug Name	Natalizumab (Tysabri)
Description	Three cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) associated with natalizumab use prompted temporary withdrawal from the market in 2005. Natalizumab was later reapproved in 2006 by the FDA for commercialization under a special restricted distribution program known as TOUCH. The drug now carries a package insert black box warning about potential risks of opportunistic infections. Patients, physicians, and pharmacists must be involved in the TOUCH program in order to receive, prescribe, or dispense (respectively) natalizumab. Indicated as monotherapy for MS, not to be used with other immune system-modifying drugs. Because of risks of PML, natalizumab is now generally recommended for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate alternate MS therapies. Recombinant humanized IgG4-1C monoclonal antibody produced in murine myeloma cells. Binds to alpha-4 subunits of alpha-4-beta-1 and alpha-4-beta-7 integrins expressed on leukocyte surface, which inhibits alpha-4-mediated leukocyte adhesion to their receptors. Clinical effect in MS may be secondary to blocking interaction of alpha-4-beta-1 expressed by inflammatory cells with VCAM-1 on vascular endothelial cells and with CS-1 and/or osteopontin expressed by parenchymal brain cells. Indicated for relapsing MS and to reduce symptom exacerbation frequency.
Adult Dose	300 mg IV q4wk; dilute in 100 mL 0.9% NaCl and infuse over 1 h
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity, current infections, concomitant use of immunosuppressors
Interactions	Interferon beta-1a decreases clearance by 30%
Pregnancy	C – Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Uncommon serious adverse effects include infections (eg, PML, pneumonia), hypersensitivity reactions, severe depression, and gallstones; common adverse effects include mild infections (eg, UTI, lower respiratory tract, GI, vaginal), headache, mild depression, joint pain, and menstrual disorders; excreted in breast milk; infusion-related adverse effects include urticaria, pruritus, and rigors (discontinue infusion and treat accordingly); can only be prescribed under the TOUCH program; clinically significant hepatotoxicity has been reported during postmarketing surveillance, monitor transaminase serum levels and bilirubin (discontinue if elevated or jaundice emerges)

Drug Category: Corticosteroids

These agents reduce acute inflammation and expedite recovery from acute exacerbations of MS. They may be used for “rescue” therapy as monthly boosters in patients who respond poorly to the ABC immunomodulators. Methylprednisolone, a glucocorticoid, has greater anti-inflammatory potency than prednisolone and even less tendency to induce water and sodium retention.

Drug Name	Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol)
Description	For treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune reactions. By reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity, may decrease inflammation. Also may alter expression of some proinflammatory cytokines.
Adult Dose	500-1000 mg IV (mix in 150-200 mL isotonic saline or D5 isotonic saline) infused over 1-2 h for 3-5 d without prednisone taper
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; systemic fungal infections; severe bone density loss; hip osteonecrosis; cataracts; psychosis
Interactions	Cyclosporine may induce seizures; phenytoin, phenobarbital, or rifampin may reduce levels because of their hepatic enzyme-inducing effects; ketoconazole may increase levels; may decrease levels of salicylates; may increase or decrease levels of anticoagulants; may increase digitalis toxicity secondary to hypokalemia; estrogens may increase levels; monitor patients for hypokalemia when taking with diuretics
Pregnancy	C – Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Caution or discontinue in patients with early evidence of cataracts, bone density loss, hyperglycemia, psychosis, euphoria, emotional irritability, adrenal dysfunction, fluid retention, arrhythmias, or anaphylactoid reactions; monitor for decreased bone density in prolonged treatment; steroid-induced myopathy can occur, especially in underlying neuromuscular transmission disorders

Drug Category: Immunosuppressors

These agents are used for their ability to suppress immune reactions.

Drug Name	Mitoxantrone (Novantrone)
Description	Anthracenedione compound used for SPMS and RPMS. Induces DNA cross-links and strand breaks and leads to apoptosis. Mitoxantrone also interferes with RNA and is a potent inhibitor of topoisomerase II, an enzyme responsible for uncoiling and repairing damaged DNA. Indicated for reducing neurologic disability and/or the frequency of clinical relapses in patients with secondary (chronic) progressive, progressive relapsing, or worsening relapsing-remitting MS (ie, patients whose neurologic status is significantly abnormal between relapses). Not indicated in the treatment of patients with primary progressive MS.
Adult Dose	5 mg/m2 and 12 mg/m2 IV every 3 mo (clinical trial)
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; heart disease; severe infections
Interactions	None reported
Pregnancy	D – Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Because of risk of severe myelosuppression and heart dysfunction, only clinicians experienced in chemotherapy should administer this medication High risk of leading to long-term myocardial dysfunction; perform baseline and follow-up cardiac function tests (2D-echocardiography and ejection fraction measurements); increased risk of cardiotoxicity commonly seen after cumulative dose of 120-160 mg/m2, as observed in oncology studies; hair thinning, alopecia, and nausea usually mild but common; may cause menstrual disorders or infertility; GI bleeding and mucositis/stomatitis may occur; increases chances of infections

Drug Name	Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar)
Description	Metabolized in liver by mixed-function microsomal oxidase system. Mechanism of action believed to involve DNA cross-linking. Has been used off-label for secondary progressive MS, especially for patients with dramatic, rapid progression. Thought to be more effective if given in early stage of progression.
Adult Dose	Induction phase: 600 mg/m2 IV qod for 5 d initial dose, accompanied by Solu-Medrol 1 g IV qd for 8 d Monthly booster doses: adjust dose on basis of WBC counts on days 8, 11, and 14 after previous dose (to establish nadir) and WBC count before treatment; use following recommendations: Total WBC nadir 1500-2000/�L: 1-day booster dose of 800 mg/m2/mo, accompanied by Solu-Medrol 1000 mg IV Total WBC nadir <1500/�L, decrease dose by 100-200 mg/m2 Total WBC nadir >2200/�L, increase dose by 200 mg/m2 Total WBC count before cyclophosphamide dose should be >4000/�L If 3000-4000/�L, 75% of dose If 2000-3000/�L, 50% of dose If <2000/�L, booster not given and WBC count checked in 1 wk (Boosters should be given 1 day per mo for 12 mo, at which time effects of therapy should be reevaluated; if therapy working, give booster q6wk for another year, and then q2mo for a third year; authors do not advise administering cyclophosphamide for more than 3 consecutive years)
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; profound myelosuppression; active infections; hair thinning; alopecia; severe leukopenia; liver function abnormalities
Interactions	Long-term phenobarbital may increase metabolism of cyclophosphamide and ability to induce leukopenia; inhibits cholinesterases and thus potentiates effect of succinylcholine chloride
Pregnancy	D – Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Causes infertility; increased risks of bladder hemorrhage or cancer or other secondary malignancies; increased risk of opportunistic infections; patients should be hydrated adequately while receiving cyclophosphamide

Drug Name	Azathioprine (Imuran)
Description	This immunosuppressive antimetabolite drug is an imidazolyl derivative of 6-mercaptopurine. Cleaved in vivo to mercaptopurine and converted to 6-thiouric acid by xanthine oxidase. Generally used in treatment of transplant rejection or severe, active, erosive rheumatoid arthritis. Has been used off-label for MS.
Adult Dose	1 mg/kg (50-100 mg)/d PO given bid or single-dose schedule Dose can be increased gradually (0.5 mg/kg increments); not to exceed 2.5 mg/kg/d
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; pregnancy; previous treatment with alkylating agents such as chlorambucil, melphalan, or cyclophosphamide owing to possible increased risk of neoplasia
Interactions	ACE inhibitors may induce anemia or leukopenia; may inhibit anticoagulant action of warfarin; allopurinol inhibits drug’s detoxification pathway, thus reduce to one third to one quarter usual dose if used with allopurinol
Pregnancy	D – Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Patients with serious hematologic or hepatic disorders should not use this medication; causes leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; <1% of patients may develop hepatotoxicity; instruct patients to contact their physician if they develop fever or any other evidence of infection

Drug Name	Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Description	Immunosuppressive metabolite drug used for some neoplasias (including leukemia), psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Interferes with DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication. Inhibits dihydrofolic acid reductase, which participates in synthesis of thymidylate and purine nucleotides. Has been used off-label for MS.
Adult Dose	7.5-15 mg PO qwk
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions	Chloramphenicol interferes with intestinal absorption; NSAIDs and phenytoin elevate levels; probenecid impairs renal tubular transport of methotrexate
Pregnancy	D – Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Use caution in patients with history of alcohol abuse, liver dysfunction, or renal dysfunction; may cause neurotoxicity (leukoencephalopathy), renal or liver damage, pulmonary fibrosis or pneumonitis (fully reversible), diarrhea, ulcerative stomatitis, hemorrhagic enteritis, seizures, anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia; may cause alopecia and photosensitivity, but these rarely occur at doses used for treating MS

Drug Category: Antiviral, anti-Parkinson agent

This agent is used for treatment of fatigue in MS.

Drug Name	Amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel)
Description	Mechanism of counteracting fatigue unclear. May have antiviral effects by inhibiting replication of some viruses, including influenza A.
Adult Dose	100 mg PO bid
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity
Interactions	Either triamterene or hydrochlorothiazide (or both) may increase plasma levels; thioridazine may worsen tremor in elderly patients with Parkinson disease
Pregnancy	C – Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Patients with history of seizure should be observed carefully for signs of seizure recurrence; because of its anticholinergic effects, use caution by prescribing limited quantities to patients at risk of overdosing; may induce suicidal ideation in some patients, or may exacerbate existing mental disorders; use with caution in patients taking CNS stimulants; acute withdrawal should be avoided in patients with Parkinson disease, as acute parkinsonian crisis may ensue; because excreted in urine, reduce dose in patients with renal insufficiency or who are aged 65 years or older

Drug Category: Central nervous system stimulants

These agents are used for treatment of fatigue without interfering with normal sleep architecture. They promote wakefulness.

Drug Name	Modafinil (Provigil)
Description	Mechanism of action currently unknown. Listed in Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act. Patients should be observed for signs of use or abuse, as drug has psychoactive and euphoric effects similar to those seen with other scheduled CNS stimulants (eg, methylphenidate).
Adult Dose	100-200 mg PO qd; some patients may require as much as 300 mg PO qd
Pediatric Dose	Not established
Contraindications	Documented hypersensitivity; history of left ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic ECG changes, chest pain, or arrhythmias as response to CNS stimulants
Interactions	Reversible inhibitor of drug-metabolizing enzyme CYP2C19, and therefore must be used with caution with other drugs metabolized by this enzyme, including diazepam, phenytoin, and propranolol; in individuals deficient in CYP2D6 (7-10% of Caucasian population), levels of CYP2D6 substrate drugs such as SSRIs and TCAs may be elevated, as these individuals may use CYP2C19 as ancillary elimination pathway Effectiveness of oral contraceptives may be reduced during treatment and for 1 mo after discontinuing medication; methylphenidate may delay absorption; may increase levels of clomipramine; levels potentially can be altered by drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, rifampin, ketoconazole, or itraconazole; may decrease levels of cyclosporine; patients receiving CYPC29 substrates phenytoin or warfarin with modafinil should be monitored for signs of toxicity
Pregnancy	C – Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions	Dose should be reduced in patients with severe hepatic impairment; most common adverse effects are headache and anxiety, but both occur in <17% of patients; less common adverse effects are irritability, restless legs syndrome, epigastric discomfort, dizziness, infection, insomnia, and nausea; patients may be advised not to operate hazardous machinery or drive an automobile until reasonably clear that drug does not place them at risk because, in some patients, drug may affect judgment, motor skills, or thinking; used with caution in patients with recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or history of psychosis

MS Drugs, Prognosis & Pregnancy-related issues

Drugs:

• Patients must understand that the ABCR immunomodulatory drugs are preventive, not curative. Early treatment is thus essential.
• Patients should avoid exposure to extreme heat.
• The impact of stress on MS exacerbations is thought to be minimal or noncontributory, and trauma has no demonstrated impact on the disease course.

Prognosis:

• If untreated, more than 30% of patients with MS will develop significant physical disability within 20-25 years from onset. This prognosis is changing for these patients with the advent of new treatments.
• Male patients with PPMS have the worst prognosis, responding less favorably to treatment and rapidly accumulating disability. The higher incidence of spinal cord lesions in PPMS is also a factor in the rapid development of disability.
• Less than 5-10% of patients have a clinically milder MS phenotype, in which no significant physical disability accumulates despite several decades passing since onset (sometimes in spite of multiple new lesions by MRI). Detailed examination of these patients in many instances reveals some degree of cognitive deterioration.
• The physician should remind patients that early treatment with some agents may help counteract the progressive brain atrophy seen on MRI.

Pregnancy:

• For the patient with MS who wants to become pregnant, ABCR drugs should be discontinued.
• If the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, the drug should be discontinued immediately.
• The treatment can be resumed a few weeks after delivery or after the patient finishes her period of lactation.

MS presents itself with various symptoms…

a bit more about the various MS symtpoms…

• MS may present in various forms. Some patients have a predominance of cognitive changes, while others present with prominent ataxia, hemiparesis or paraparesis, depression, or visual symptoms. Bipolar disorder and frank dementia may appear late in the disease course, but sometimes are found at the time of initial diagnosis. Symptoms can be exacerbated by intercurrent illness, including viral or bacterial upper respiratory or urinary tract infections. Trauma has no impact on disease exacerbation. The impact of emotional stress on exacerbations is probably minimal and remains controversial.
• Optic neuritis presents clinically as orbital pain, at rest or during eye movement, and loss of vision. Patients may complain of “patchy loss of vision,” and upon examination, a cecocentral scotoma and an afferent pupillary defect may be found. Patients may experience color desaturation even with normal visual acuity, usually manifested as the perception of red color as different shades of orange or gray.
• Patients with MS may present with facial palsies or trigeminal neuralgia. In fact, the presence of bilateral facial weakness or trigeminal neuralgia strongly suggests the diagnosis of MS. Facial myokymia also may be a presenting symptom. Nystagmus (direction-changing) and internuclear ophthalmoplegia signs are other manifestations.
• Painful limb syndromes are important to recognize. Commonly, patients complain of numbness or tingling in one or more limbs, variable weakness, or sensory level-related symptoms. Some have difficulty describing weakness or numbness, as these symptoms are obscured by incapacitating fatigue.
• Episodes of central (as opposed to peripheral) vertigo are not uncommon. The nystagmus accompanying central vertigo has a rapid onset, does not fatigue easily, and changes with direction of gaze. CNS vertigo usually is accompanied by other complaints that can be directly attributed to brainstem or cerebellar pathway involvement (eg, diplopia, dysarthria).
• An often overlooked manifestation of MS is the pseudobulbar affect, whereby patients have difficulty controlling their emotions (laughing, crying) and are perceived to act inappropriately by coworkers or friends.
• • Behavioral/cognitive symptoms also may include social disinhibition, dementia, or depression.
  • A greater tendency for attempting and committing suicide in MS is not related exclusively to a reactive depression, since this tendency is higher than that of patients with other devastating neurological disorders such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP).
  • The neurologist should be aware that patients with conversion reactions and inappropriate affect, such as “la belle indifference,” may on occasion have an underlying organic illness such as MS.
• Urinary retention and incontinence are common. Bowel habit changes may occur, but bowel incontinence is less frequent.
• Sexual dysfunction affects the great majority of patients with MS and includes symptoms such as lack of desire, erectile dysfunction, impaired sexual responsiveness, premature ejaculation, impaired genital sensation, or inability to physically interact with the partner due to painful leg adductor muscle spasms.

Various forms of MS..

• • I haven’t heard of these forms prior to today… the other diseases that are “similar” to MS I’ve mentioned before..but not these.
• MS may present in an acute and clinically fulminant form (termed Marburg variant of MS) or may present with concomitant optic nerve involvement and necrotizing myelopathy (ie, neuromyelitis optica [NMO] or Devic disease, considered by some to be an MS variant). However, MS must be distinguished from other neuroinflammatory disorders, including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Schilder disease, and Baló concentric sclerosis.
• ADEM is considered an isolated postinfectious or postvaccinial autoimmune attack on the CNS that leads to diffuse demyelination. It is often devastating, and occasionally has a fulminant hemorrhagic component (in which case it is termed acute hemorrhagic encephalomyelitis or leukoencephalitis of Weston Hurst).
• Schilder disease is characterized in children and young adolescents by massive demyelination, presenting often as asymmetrical foci (often the size of an entire lobe) in the white matter by MRI, and presenting with a malignant course (ie, deterioration over months or a few years with cortical blindness, hemiplegia, or paraplegia). Some patients, however, may respond to steroids and immunosuppressive therapy.
• Baló concentric sclerosis is considered by some authors to be a variant of Schilder disease, with MRI lesions showing a characteristic alternating pattern of spared and damaged white matter that suggests progression of the disease process from the ventricles outward. Baló disease often is associated with a more inflammatory CSF and a more fulminant progression than typical MS.

When & how to take vitamins?

Take vitamins with food!

Did a bit of research on when to take vitamins since I’ve got about 40 to take a day ever since I started the “orthomolecular” treatment…this is what I found…

Generally, most vitamins are best tolerated and absorbed when taken with food.

Vitamins are best taken in dosages spaced throughout the day rather than all at once to maintain proper levels of intake. If you must take them all at once be sure to take them with your largest meal of the day. You should note that the absorption of minerals can be inhibited by fiber supplements.

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) require fat, either animal or vegetable, to be present in the stomach for them to be optimally absorbed. These vitamins are best taken with meals.

Water-soluble vitamins (B and C) do not require fat to be optimally absorbed by the body. B vitamins require an acidic environment to be absorbed. As such, if you are currently taking drugs that deplete stomach acid, you may have a decreased ability to absorb B vitamins.

B Complex vitamins will often cause some mild nausea. This may be avoided by taking the B Complex vitamins with a light meal. A heavy greasy meal may interfere with absorption, so keep it light. The exceptions to this are B12 and folic acid which should be taken on an empty stomach.

Zinc: Taking too much zinc at once can cause stomach cramping and nausea. Some people can tolerate the RDA (15 mg) at one time and no more, so it may be beneficial to consider the amount of zinc per capsule of multivitamin or mineral. However, if the zinc does not upset your stomach, it is beneficial for a number of conditions and the unpleasant effects can be lessened by taking it with food. More than 100 mg of zinc should not be taken in one day.

Herbal remedies: Unless it is specifically noted on the label or you are instructed to do so by your doctor, herbal remedies are generally best taken away from food for maximal absorption and effect. This means 20 to 30 minutes before meals or one and a half to two hours after.

Calcium: Some studies suggest that calcium is best taken before bed to have the most beneficial effect on building bone strength and mass. Taking a calcium/magnesium supplement before bed may also help promote better sleep as it is a natural muscle relaxant and can calm the mind.

Probiotics (acidophilus and bifidus) are best taken on an empty stomach, upon rising or before bed. As well, these products usually need to be kept in the refrigerator. Check the product when you purchase it; if the label says it is supposed to be refrigerated and it is not, the live bacterial cultures have most likely been rendered ineffective.

Green foods are usually best taken on an empty stomach for their beneficial alkalinizing and nutritional effects.

A lot of the bioflavanoids and phytochemicals are best absorbed on an empty stomach. Bioflavonoids and phytochemicals have several potential therapeutic benefits, and it is probably best to take them on an empty stomach for maximum benefit.

Tysabri – new side-effects to be added

(article date: 24 Mar 2008)

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has concluded that warnings about liver injury should be added to the product information for Tysabri (natalizumab).

Tysabri is used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients with high disease activity despite treatment with a beta-interferon or whose disease is severe and evolving rapidly.

Following a review of reports of liver injury in patients treated with Tysabri, the EMEA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) concluded that there is a need to update the product information for Tysabri to warn patients and prescribers that liver injury may occur.

Doctors should monitor the liver function of patients receiving Tysabri. Patients who observe any signs of liver injury, such as yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, or unusual darkening of the urine should see their doctor!!!

– Medical News Today

Food factors causing attacks…?

Dietary changes are not the mainstay of traditional treatment for MS. Still, some say dietary changes can make a difference in the course of the disease, says Mary Dan Eades, M.D., director of the Arkansas Center for Health and Weight Control in Little Rock and author of The Doctor’s Guide to Vitamins and Minerals.

Switch fats. Some evidence suggests that trimming saturated fat and increasing intake of two essential fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can help people with MS, says Dr. Eades.

Doctors who recommend this sort of diet may have their MS patients cut their saturated fat intakes to about 10 percent of calories by eliminating fatty meats, butter, mayonnaise, whole milk and cheeses, according to Dr. Eades. Then to keep fat intake at about 25 to 30 percent of calories, doctors have their patients add supplements of GLA (from evening primrose oil or borage oil) and EPA (from fatty fish), she says.

(Dr. Eades prescribes one part GLA to four parts EPA, a ratio that’s found in a product called EicoPro. EicoPro, manufactured by EicoTech of Marblehead, Massachusetts, is an essential fatty acid product that contains ultrapure sources of GLA and EPA.)

As previously mentioned on this blog, the main proponent of the low-fat diet (in the US…) is Dr. Swank, of the Swank Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in Beaverton, Oregon. Dr. Swank has his patients stick to 10-15 grams of saturated fat and 20 grams of unsaturated oils (such as safflower oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and cod liver oil) daily. He has had 150 patients who have been on this diet for more than 35 years.

“We’ve been following patients for 40 years, and without question, animal fat is the real culprit in this disease,” Dr. Swank contends. “This diet has helped more than 3,000 MS patients worldwide. It helps anyone at any stage of the disease but prevents disability in 95 percent of patients when it’s started before disability has developed.”

Bulk up with bran. To coax the sluggish bowel associated with MS, get plenty of fiber every day, urges Timothy Vollmer, M.D., medical and research director of the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center in Englewood, Colorado. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans can all help keep you regular.

Drink plenty of water. Getting lots of water relieves constipation, too. And it can ward off the bladder infections that can plague people with MS, Dr. Vollmer says. (Try cranberry juice for extra infection-fighting power.)

Find your food foes. The idea that food allergies or intolerances can contribute to symptoms of MS remains entirely unproven. Still, some doctors believe that for some people, certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Two Dutch doctors cite several reports of people whose symptoms worsened. One case report implicates fresh pineapple as the cause of a woman’s muscle weakness and loss of vision. And in the United States and 21 other countries, the incidence of MS correlates most strikingly with milk consumption, according to one survey.

Common sense suggests that if your symptoms seem to worsen after eating a particular food, drop that food from your diet for at least a few weeks to see if you notice improvement.

Vitamin B12 & MS…

There appear to be some potential links between the nutrient, which is so essential for proper nerve function, and this debilitating disease. For instance, vitamin B₁₂ deficiency can mimic some of the symptoms of MS, such as numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, loss of balance and fatigue, says Donald W. Jacobsen, Ph.D., director of the Department of Cell Biology at the Cleveland Clinic.

“A severe vitamin B₁₂ deficiency can cause breakdown of the myelin sheath, similar to what occurs in MS,” Dr. Jacobsen says. That’s why many doctors test for B₁₂ deficiency if you have symptoms of MS. Although most people get enough B₁₂ in their diets, absorption problems can cause a B₁₂ shortage, especially in people ages 60 and older. If you have absorption problems, you’ll probably have to get B₁₂ shots or possibly include daily supplements in your diet for the rest of your life, depending on your particular case.

Studies are mixed as to how many people diagnosed with MS or with MS-like symptoms have low blood levels of vitamin B₁₂, Dr. Jacobsen says. For example, a study by British researchers found that a fairly high number of people with MS have low blood levels of B₁₂. On the other hand, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, using tests that measure blood levels of B₁₂ and two B₁₂-related compounds, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, found fewer B₁₂-deficient people than did the British.

“At this point, we just don’t know what to make of all of this,” Dr. Jacobsen says. “We still feel like we are missing major pieces of the puzzle. It’s still an open question whether true, functional vitamin B₁₂ deficiency exists in MS.”

To complicate matters further, people with MS often have what’s called mild macrocytosis. They have some larger than normal but immature red blood cells in their blood that resemble a budding case of pernicious anemia, a disease that is associated with severe vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Most, however, never go on to develop a full-blown case of pernicious anemia.

Your doctor can determine with a few tests whether you’re having absorption problems. If it turns out that you do have an absorption problem, you’ll need to get injections of vitamin B₁₂ from your doctor. If you don’t have absorption problems, you can safely take oral doses of up to 500 micrograms of B₁₂ a day, Dr. Jacobsen says. (This amount is many times the Daily Value of B₁₂, which is only 6 micrograms.)

It’s also important to have your doctor check your blood levels of the B vitamin folate (the naturally occurring form of folic acid), Dr. Jacobsen says. That’s because folate deficiency can cause symptoms similar to vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, although its neurological consequences are much less severe. If you’re found deficient, you’ll have to take oral folic acid supplements to get your blood level back to normal. You shouldn’t take folic acid unless your doctor recommends it, says Dr. Jacobsen.

Nutrient Daily Amount…

DRUGS are the mainstay of treatment for MS. However, there are a few nutrients that may prove helpful. Here’s what some doctors recommend…

Selenium 100 micrograms

Vitamin B₁₂ 500 micrograms

Vitamin C 1,000­2,000 milligrams, taken as 2­4 divided doses

Vitamin E 800 international units

Plus a multivitamin/mineral supplement containing the Daily Values of all essential vitamins and minerals

 

MEDICAL ALERT: If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you should be under a doctor’s care.

Injections of vitamin B₁₂ are required for people who have problems absorbing this nutrient.

Vitamin C in doses exceeding 1,200 milligrams a day can cause diarrhea in some people.

It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before taking more than 600 international units of vitamin E a day. If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, you should not take vitamin E supplements.

Antioxidant Nutrients May Help..?

There’s some evidence that the damage to a nerve’s fatty sheath, associated with MS, is caused by what is known as oxidative injury. That damage, also called lipid (fat) peroxidation, occurs because unstable molecules called free radicals steal electrons from the healthy molecules in this fatty covering, causing breakdown and scarring that eventually destroys the nerve. Free radicals can be generated by attacking immune cells. They also occur when the body is exposed to certain toxic chemicals. Researchers in Chicago found that people experiencing MS attacks had significantly higher levels of pentane, a by-product of lipid peroxidation, in their breath than they did when their symptoms were in remission.

“Our findings very much support the theory that the mechanism for destruction in MS is associated with free radicals,” says Edwin Zarling, M.D., associate professor of medicine at Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois, and a researcher for the Cook County Hospital study. “Our work shows that antioxidants should be tried for MS.” Studies have yet to be done that show antioxidants help people with MS, he adds.

Because of these findings, some doctors recommend that their patients with MS take the array of so-called antioxidant nutrients, which neutralize free radicals by offering up their own electrons, protecting your body’s healthy molecules from harm. These nutrients include vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and the mineral selenium. Amounts recommended can vary widely.

“I recommend taking at least 500 milligrams of vitamin C two to four times a day and 100 micrograms of selenium and 800 international units of vitamin E once a day,” says Mary Dan Eades, M.D., medical director of the Arkansas Center for Health and Weight Control in Little Rock and author of The Doctor’s Guide to Vitamins and Minerals.

It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before taking more than 600 international units of vitamin E a day. Vitamin C in doses exceeding 1,200 milligrams a day can cause diarrhea in some people.

(how to…) Manage your life with MS…

An interesting story on how you can ‘manage MS’ (one of the many ways of course:)

Leonard Flynn, an organic chemist, was diagnosed with MS in 1988. He believes he is healthier now than he has been in years. To prove it, he amazingly climbed Mount Scenery, a peak that has more than 1000 stony steps cut into its steep side. He attributes his improved health to a low-saturated-fat diet that some studies suggest slows the course of this disease.

(For instance, the Swank MS Diet is a low saturated fat diet used for the management of MS championed by Dr. Roy L. Swank since 1948. The results of his study showed that those who followed the diet had not shown any significant deterioration of their condition over a 34 year period. Conversely, those that did not follow the diet did significantly deteriorate over the same period. More recent articles, have shown that after 44 years, the patients who had continued to follow this diet had not shown any significant deterioration of their condition. However, Dr. Swank’s research has been disputed by some, due to lacking documented double blind testing. For that reason, many in the medical community do not accept the Swank Diet as a treatment for MS.)

Leonard Flynn also takes the same antioxidant nutrients thought to protect against cancer and heart disease: vitamins C and E, selenium and beta-carotene, the yellow pigment found in carrots, cantaloupe and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. Plus he eats lots of fatty fish, mostly sardines, salmon and water-packed tuna, and relies on sunflower oil and safflower oil for additional fat.

 

This is not to say that MS isn’t a serious condition or that it can be cured by a particular diet. But there are ways to make life with MS easier. A healthy diet is important to maximize function and to decrease the disability that occurs in MS.

‘B Vitamin Prevents MS Disability in Mice’

I hope they’ve started on the clinical trial since then… )

Journal of Neuroscience, September 20, 2006

BOSTON, Sept. 20 — A form of niacin may be a novel treatment for chronic progressive multiple sclerosis, according to researchers here.n a mouse model of MS, nicotinamide — the amide form of niacin, or vitamin B3 — significantly prevented neurological disability, said Shinjiro Kaneko, M.D., of Children’s Hospital Boston.The finding, reported in the Sept. 20 issue of Journal of Neuroscience, raises the possibility that the vitamin “may be a promising candidate as a neuroprotective treatment for MS patients,” said Dr. Kaneko and colleagues.

This research sounds very promising too…don’t know if they started on the clinical trials yet..would be nice…

(for the whole article check under ‘links’:o)

‘VITAMINS FIGHT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS’

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, October 4, 2006

New research confirms that niacinamide, also known as vitamin B-3, is a key to the successful treatment of multiple sclerosis and other nerve diseases. Niacinamide, say researchers at Harvard Medical School, “profoundly prevents the degeneration of demyelinated axons and improves the behavioral deficits.”

This is very good news, but it is not at all new news. Over 60 years ago, Canadian physician H.T. Mount began treating multiple sclerosis patients with intravenous B-1 (thiamine) plus intramuscular liver extract, which provides other B-vitamins. He followed the progress of these patients for up to 27 years. The results were excellent and were described in a paper published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 1973.

Mount was not alone. Forty years ago, Frederick Robert Klenner, M.D., of North Carolina, was using vitamins B-3 and B-1, along with the rest of the B-complex vitamins, vitamins C and E, and other nutrients including magnesium, calcium and zinc to arrest and reverse multiple sclerosis. Klenner’s complete treatment program was originally published as “Treating Multiple Sclerosis Nutritionally,” Cancer Control Journal 2:3, p 16-20.

Nutritional therapy is inexpensive, effective and, most important, safe. There is not even one death per year from vitamins.

Vitamin supplementation is not the problem. It is under-nutrition that is the problem. Vitamins are the solution.

Restoring health must be done nutritionally, not pharmacologically. All cells in all persons are made exclusively from what we drink and eat. Not one cell is made out of drugs.

(for the full text see under ‘links’)
I found this alternative medicine to be very interesting. Especially since it seems to be something that has been around for so long, and that was actually recorded as helping/curing people with MS…

I visited the Insitut for Orthomolecular Medicine where I live and I must say that after an hour-long consultation I came out with a positive and happy look on my face. I am going to try to follow this ‘excessive vitamin intake’ (I actually started already:) and hope that it will shed a light on my hopes… As I am taking the prescribed (more like, recommended) vitamins, I am also taking pills that are supposed to clear my body of ‘metals’ (some of you might have heard about the connection between an increase of ‘metals’ in the body and the development of MS…). This ‘cleaning’ can also be done intravenously if necessary (or if preferred..:).

I must say that I am very enthusiastic about this ‘new approach’ I am taking to handle my MS. I’ve heard of people with MS who have tried this and it actually helped..(yes, we all know that we are so different and react differently to everything but still…it gives a bit of hope:).

Anti-inflammation Molecule Helps Fight MS-like Disease, Study Suggests

Science Daily, November 12th 2007

An immune system messenger molecule that normally helps quiet inflammation could be an effective tool against multiple sclerosis (MS). The protein interkeukin-27 (IL-27) helped block the onset or reverse symptoms in animals with an MS-like disease.

Thomas Jefferson University neuroscientists report their findings in the journal Nature Immunology

To read the whole article please visit the website (found under links… “ScienceDaily Nov.12.07″) Thank you

MS cause found..?

The possible cause of MS might have been found…but further research needs to be done…

Published 05.11.2007

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous B-lymphotropic herpesvirus, has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), but direct proof of its involvement in the disease is still missing. MS might result from perturbed EBV infection in the CNS (further research needed to confirm it). However, the research has concluded that EBV persistence and reactivation in the CNS play an important role in MS immunopathology.

Full article can be bought on www.jem.org

Stem Cells & MS!!

Sounds like good news…? )

Stem cells trial for MS patients A new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) is being pioneered near Bristol.

Six patients at Frenchay Hospital are being injected with their own stem cells in the hope that they will repair damage to the brain.

Approximately 60,000 people in the UK suffer from MS, an incurable disease of the nervous system.

Prof Neil Scolding, of the Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, said: “We know stem cells are attracted into the brain, into these areas of damage.”

He added that he hoped the stem cells would “help those areas to stop getting worse” and “repair damage”.

‘Lot of hope’

Liz Allison, an MS patient taking part in the trial, said: “I’m hoping there will be some improvement.”

BBC health correspondent Matthew Hill said: “We’ve already seen stem cells used on cardiac patients but this is the first time a reputable organisation has tried it out on MS patients.

“There is a lot of hope riding on these trials but it is very early days yet.”

He added that it was likely to be several months before any conclusions could be drawn regarding the treatment.

taken from bbc– under links “stem cells & ms”

New hopes for MS…? ;)

Scientists have finally identified two genes that may raise the risk of multiple sclerosis, lending insight into the causes of the debilitating disease.

This discovery sheds a new light on the possibilities of understanding the ways MS works and might help in developing even better therapies…

“Having this genetic road map will be of incredible importance in developing new therapies,” said Dr. David Hafler of Harvard Medical School, who worked on the genome study.

–check the whole story – MS gene study 1+2  under links

…it can also be found under the medical news today link;)

Living with MS: Today and Tomorrow

It is a one-day (free) event, organized by MSIF and the Czech MS Society (CzMSS), in collaboration with the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP), which will be held in Prague.

The event will take place on October 10th at the Prague Congress Centre (Czech Republic).

The topics that will be covered are six: diagnosis, information, treatment, therapy, management and daily life. These will be presented by people with MS (including myself:) and discussed by leading international MS specialists.

For more info and how to register check under links.

Female hormone that impedes MS!! interesting;)

TREATMENT
How A Female Hormone Impedes MS

One tantalizing observation about multiple sclerosis is that it goes into remission during pregnancy. The degenerative disease occurs when the immune system attacks nerve cells. And it’s known that pregnancy hormones such as estriol turn down the mother’s immune system to protect the fetus from rejection. So could estriol—a form of estrogen—also be a treatment for the disease in women?

Rhonda Voskuhl, director of the MS program at the University of California at Los Angeles, decided to try. In a small study four years ago she showed that the hormone—available as a pill—brought a dramatic reduction in the brain inflammation that is harmful in MS.

Estriol “may not only help bring the immune system under control,” says Patricia A. O’Looney, vice-president for biomedical research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “but it may also stimulate cells to make more myelin,” a protective sheath that helps nerves carry signals but that breaks down as MS progresses.

That’s why Voskuhl is embarking on a larger, two-year study with previously untreated MS patients to see if estriol’s benefits translate into improved health. Even if the hormone proves no better than current treatments, it has two big advantages: It’s cheap, and it can be taken orally instead of being injected. Although men aren’t part of her estriol study, Voskuhl is researching whether testosterone might have a similar effect in male MS patients.

By John Carey – business newsweek

Esperanza Homeopathic NeuroPeptide – an MS Treatment

“The treatment is a Homeopathic sublingual (under the tongue) spray called Esperanza Homeopathic NeuroPeptide, that is taken once a day. It is our unique peptide in a saline solution that allows conduction across the nerve muscle junctions, allowing return of function. It is safe and tasteless.”

it is said to show improvements in most MS patients, but of course, each patient has different responses to this treatment..and it depends greatly on where your lesions are located and the extent of damage…

for detailed information follow links;)

The spoon theory – Christine Miserandino

This is a very cute story about MS, an explanation to why we sometimes simply do not have any energy left, and the other issues which we face in our daily life with MS…

for more information check it out under links;)

LDN & Multiple Sclerosis

Low Dose Naltrexone…

…And this is yet another treatment for MS… seems to be effective…but still needs to undergo a clinical trial to see if the original results can be replicated…

• “Over the past few years, growing experience with the clinical use of LDN demonstrates its consistency in preventing further attacks in people with MS. In addition, a majority of such patients note reductions in spasticity and fatigue.
• Clinically the results are strongly suggestive of efficacy. Ninety-eight to 99% of people experience no more disease progression, whether the disease category is relapsing-remitting or chronic progressive.
• It should be emphasized that in spite of the plentitude of clinical experience described above, in the absence of a formal clinical trial of LDN in MS, these results cannot be considered scientific, but rather anecdotal. A clinical trial, preferably by a pharmaceutical company with some experience with MS, is clearly needed to determine whether these results can be replicated. If they can be, they are likely to lead to widespread use of this extremely non-toxic drug in the treatment of MS.”

For more information on the results from this research visit the respective LDN websites under links;)

Edgar Cayce’s Approach to Multiple Sclerosis

From Edgar Cayce’s website:

Edgar Cayce often remarked that a change in mental and spiritual attitudes was the first priority in the healing of multiple sclerosis (MS). The first shift in attitudes was to be a change in the person’s understanding of why he had the illness:

“While there might be much given as to that which has caused or produced the conditions, these should be rather viewed by the entity, the body (716), in this attitude: ‘The physical conditions that have come upon me are those most necessary for my own soul’s development.’” (716-1)

With this attitude adjustment toward one’s condition, Cayce also emphasized a positive mental attitude about the healing process. He encouraged individuals to expect to be healed. He emphasized the importance of patience. The readings state that in patience we become aware of ourselves as souls – an important step in soul development. From a practical standpoint, patience is important because nervous system regeneration is a long process requiring daily application of the Wet Cell Battery and massage.

Another essential aspect of attitude adjustment is applied spirituality. This may manifest in various ways. It may manifest as more kindness, gentleness and consideration toward others. It may be a positive attitude toward the treatments, which results in more consistency and persistency in their application. The readings say it is important to be good, but also to be good for something.

The second key component in Edgar Cayce’s approach to treating MS is the Wet Cell Battery used with vibratory solutions. Daily sessions of about 30 minutes, followed by a massage, were standard. Gold chloride was the primary solution used with the battery. However, iodine (Atomidine), camphor and silver nitrate were included for certain cases.

For MS, Cayce typically recommended a basic balanced diet consisting mainly of vegetables and fruits. Avoidance of fried and highly processed foods was encouraged. Fish, fowl or lamb were the primary meats allowed. Seafood was often mentioned as beneficial. Carrots were the frequently recommended vegetable. Gelatin was often suggested, which was to be sprinkled over the grated vegetables.

 

Interesting view… might not be new for some of you but it is quite encouraging for me:)

For more information on Edgar Cayce check out under links.

HS follow up..

Dear all…

I have contacted my nurse with regards to the possibility of HS… She told me I will have to see the doctor first and bring them the information I got and then they will see if it is necessary to check for it…since they are sure I was correctly diagnosed..but ‘you never know’ – she admitted..:)

Take care

Hughes Syndrome: The blood disease that mimics Multiple Sclerosis!!

Could you have been wrongly diagnosed???
By Judy Graham

Up to 5% of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis don’t have the disease at all. They have something called Hughes Syndrome, a hidden blood disease which in some ways mimics MS. It is also known as “Sticky Blood Syndrome”.

Instead of having MS, some patients could be suffering from this relatively new disease which mimics some symptoms of MS.

Like MS, Hughes Syndrome can affect mobility, memory, the speech and the nervous system. But the differences. Hughes Syndrome is easy and cheap to treat…

Source: http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=show&pageid=736

For more info on Hughes syndrome (APS) go to: http://www.hughes-syndrome.org/

Pregnancy & Multiple Sclerosis

A Canadian research suggests that a pregnancy hormone may help repair the damage to nerves caused by multiple sclerosis.

The Journal of Neuroscience study, by the University of Calgary, may explain why MS tends to go into remission while women are pregnant.

Working on mice, the researchers found the hormone – prolactin – encourages production of myelin, the fatty substance that protects nerve cells. When mice with MS-like nerve damage were injected with the hormone, their myelin was also repaired.

From today’s news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6376257.stm)

‘Benign’ MS May Not Be So Benign

Also from Medical News Today…dated today..

People who have multiple sclerosis (MS) for 10 years and have few of the disabling symptoms of the disease are often told they have “benign MS” and that their symptoms will likely not ever occur to the same extent as other people with MS. A new study, published in the February 13, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology, shows that unfortunately this may not be correct.

After 20 years, the disease had progressed in nearly half of those whose MS was benign at 10 years, according to the study.

The study of 169 people whose MS was benign after 10 years found that after 20 years the disease had progressed in 21 percent to the extent that they needed a cane to walk. Most of the patients had the relapsing-remitting form of the disease, where symptoms come and go. But after 20 years, about 20 percent of the people had developed the secondary-progressive form of the disease, where the disease steadily progresses.

“We need to be careful what we tell people, and not give them false hope that their symptoms may never get worse,” said lead study author Ana-Luiza Sayao, MD, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

And unfortunately as always with MS… no factors have been found common among the people tested (gender, age…) but “more research needs to be done to identify criteria to determine which people will remain with mild disability over the long term.”

Brain Atrophy & Multiple Sclerosis

February 15th, Medical News Today…

In patients with recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis, the extent of accumulated brain tissue loss and overall lesion load as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may predict the rate of cerebral atrophy over the following two years, according to a report in the Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

It has been almost two years since I was diagnosed…but I will not qualify for an MRI scan until end of 2008… I recently asked my doctor to do an MRI scan but she gave me this reply. Would have liked it now…instead of next year…:p

The BIG Idea: Veins the “key” to discover the origins of Multiple Sclerosis?

In very very brief:

The Big Idea: Iron-dependent inflammation in venous disease and proposed parallels in multiple sclerosis. This was a study conducted by Paolo Zamboni and is found under http://www.jrsm.org/cgi/content/full/99/11/589 for purchase (in English). His research is yet to be studied and confirmed but it is an interesting perspective on the disease. Here is a brief outline in Italian from an Italian newspaper 2-3 weeks ago.

Nelle vene la «chiave» per scoprire l’ origine della sclerosi multipla

The Big Idea: quando sulla prestigiosa rivista della Royal Society of Medicine è comparsa la sua ricerca, l’ hanno titolata così, prima di una serie dedicata alle «grandi idee» per il futuro della medicina. In questo caso, ad entrare in gioco è lo studio sulla sclerosi multipla: perché secondo Paolo Zamboni, chirurgo vascolare e docente all’ ateneo di Ferrara, la chiave dell’ enigma potrebbe celarsi in un luogo inaspettato – le vene. Strana idea davvero, quella di collegare una malattia del tessuto cerebrale alle infiammazioni vascolari; soprattutto se ad avanzare l’ipotesi non è un esperto di sclerosi multipla, «mi ci sono avvicinato 5 anni fa, dopo la malattia di una persona cara. Ho divorato tutti i testi disponibili, dai primi studi di Jean-Martin Charcot al diario di Augusto d’ Este, nipote di Giorgio d’ Inghilterra». Conclusione: dall’ 800 ad oggi, nulla – o quasi – è cambiato per i malati. L’ origine della causa più comune di disabilità tra i giovani (le prime crisi si manifestano tra i 20 e i 30 anni), che colpisce e annienta il tessuto cerebrale con focolai di infiammazione, resta ignota. «Ma un particolare mi colpiva: nel 99% dei casi le placche della sclerosi “seguono” le vene del cervello o del midollo spinale». Nel corso delle sue ricerche sulle infiammazioni vascolari, Zamboni nota che «quando la circolazione nelle vene non funziona bene, come nelle varici, le gambe hanno macchie scure: depositi di ferro, pericolosi in quanto fonte di radicali liberi. E anche nelle placche della sclerosi, guarda caso, c’ è molto più ferro che nei tessuti normali». Il che potrebbe spiegarsi con un’ irregolarità nella circolazione, un’ ipotesi affascinante da provare a testare. «Sappiamo che nella placca passa una vena, sappiamo che c’ è un accumulo di ferro: resta da capire se questa vena funziona bene o male». E questo non lo può svelare né la Tac, né la risonanza magnetica. A Ferrara, neurologi e chirurghi vascolari stanno già studiando un metodo per l’ analisi emodinamica delle vene cerebrali; al fianco di Zamboni, un team di 15 persone – medici, ricercatori, specializzandi – che alla big idea dedica, come lui, ogni minuto libero e una buona dose di entusiasmo. La nuova «finestra» sulla sclerosi multipla è ormai spalancata.

Obstacles in life are important..?

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

MS funding is declining!

For those of you in the US… please take a minute to read this and sign the petition to continue funding future R&D for MS. It is very important

Thank you

http://capwiz.com/nmss/issues/alert/?alertid=9167296&type=CU

Aimspro Info

What is Aimspro?

Aimspro is the trade name for an MS treatment produced from the serum of blood obtained from specially vaccinated goats. The serum is obtained from the goats in the USA and then sent to the UK for purifying.

Who makes Aimspro?

Daval International is a UK based pharmaceutical research and development company. Founded by venture capitalist David Shotton from London in 2000.

How is Aimspro administered?

Patients are taught to inject themselves with the drug in the upper arm, thighs or buttocks using a needle very like that used by diabetics.

How does Aimspro work?

Aimspro uses Polyclonal Antibodies from the serum of goats that have been inoculated with a number of vaccines to generate neutralising antibodies. The exact action is not fully understood and the technique is subject to commercial confidentiality.

Does Aimspro work?

The trials have been very positive with many patients reporting significant improvement. There have been very few reporting no improvement.

Are there any side-effects?

The only reported side-effects have been a slight irritation at the injection site.

Is Aimspro a cure for MS?

No, it is a treatment to lessen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including actual partial reversal of some symptoms leading to a better quality of life for many patients.

How can I obtain Aimspro?

Aimspro is not generally available as the drug has not yet been licensed. The product is currently undergoing Phase II trials and it is hopeful that the drug may be approved within the next year or two. In the meantime you can sign the petition being run by the Aimspro Patient Lobby Group, Proventus.

There is hope, however, Daval are now reported to be running ‘Specials‘ or Aimspro on named patient basis. Presumably this is available only in the UK.

Where can I get more information about Aimspro?

The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre publish a very good magazine, called New Pathways that has regular updates and news about Aimspro.

Are the goats harmed in the manufacture of Aimspro?

No, on the contrary, they are very well cared for. They live on a farm in the USA, are looked after by qualified carers, are certified free of any disease and have the freedom to roam around in large paddocks. Extracting the blood from the goats is very like people donating blood.

Aimspro – yet another Multiple Sclerosis treatment

Aimspro®

Aimspro shows great promise for the treatment of a range of neurological and inflammatory conditions including multiple sclerosis, CIDP and rheumatoid arthritis. Aimspro has been characterised biochemically and its mode of action has been determined. It comprises of a set of peptides that act to stimulate the release and regulation in the patient, of a molecular cascade that modulates the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis; a system found to be dysfunctional in some patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. In addition, Aimspro has powerful anti-inflammatory properties as it contains cytokines that induce a predominantly TH-2 anti-inflammatory profile in the patient thus relieving symptoms in a wide range of inflammatory conditions.

It has become apparent that some of the peptides in Aimspro are regulated and bound by specific carrier molecules that may regulate the action and release of their ligand and are probably necessary for the appropriate regulation and pharmacokinetics of the molecular machinery. The carrier molecules also function as a slow release mechanism, releasing bioactive components over several days.

Compared with conventional drugs, which generally comprise one molecule destined to interact with one target in the body, the unique molecular complexity of Aimspro enables it to interact with many molecular targets in concert, hence bringing about a wide range of physiological benefits.

MS problems & frustrations

I have been noticing that there is a general feeling among all of us MSers (or is it that I just noticed the ones I recognized myself with?:)

I, too, am not feeling as great. I believe my MS is getting worse…or am I just having an attack?

I have become a bit less social I think…hmm not sure if it is true. I know it is due to my MS. I have been having peeing problems (can’t empty my bladder fully and as soon as I step out of the house I need a toilet! which is a problem especially when there isn’t one around!). I noticed that when going out (if ever) this problem is even more serious especially if I drink beer (from now on – no more beer – it wasn’t something I liked to drink anyways! So…good;). I also noticed that I decline parties and other social events because I am tired or because I think I am not going to be able to walk (or I will…but it would be very tiring so why bother…). I feel that I have become an orange skin accumulator… basically I am simply at home most of the time, I do not exercise anymore (which I am not happy about at all…! I want to go back to doing some sports)… I am considering starting on yoga… and maybe aerobics again.

What else? I am also wondering about this MS… Where is it going? How long do we have to wait for a cure? The article I previously posted is really impressive… I know my MS hasn’t advanced yet (to the point where I can’t walk at all anymore or something like that) but I feel like I am getting tired of fighting it already… why?

Wow… I am really frustrated… REALLY. But on top of all this… I know I have to go on fighting it, and I will! I just wanted to say that it is OK if we feel down sometimes…it is all part of having MS…

I feel like I wanted to say something more…but now I forgot… Can’t wait to go see my doctor for the regular 6-month check-up…planning to have a nice chat with her to see what the progress of my MS is so far…and request an MRI scan.

Best to you all!

Heads up;)

New Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Reduces Relapse Rate By 90%

Article Date: 22 Jul 2006 – 14:00 PST

Multiple Sclerosis patients who receive a brief course of Mitoxantrone, and then Copaxone, experience a reduced replase rate of 90%, according to a five-year study carried out at The Walton Centre for Neurology, Liverpool, UK. A further ten controlled studies are being launched at 10 centres in the UK. A reduced relapse rate of 90% means the difference between being bedridden and holding down a job and actively raising a family for many MS patients. You can read about this study in the Journal of Neurology, August issue. Mitoxantrone is used for treating cancer patients, it is so powerful that it can only be used for a short time. Copaxone is a slow-acting disease-moderating drug for MS patients. In this study, doctors decided to overlap the treatments because they wanted to give some time for copaxone to build up its effect. Head researcher, Dr Mike Boggild, said “This regime has proved remarkably effective. Though there are certain risks, associated particularly with use of Mitoxantrone, we have been able to limit these by using this agent for just a short induction period. Balanced against the high risk of early disability for these patients, the outcomes appear to justify this approach.” Dr. Boggild started treating with Karen Ayres, 28, in 2002. Karen Ayres has MS. Since 2002 she has not suffered any relapses at all. Ayres said she came to see Dr. Boggild during her second relapse. She was unable to walk or feed herself – she was barely able to wave her hand. A few weeks after treatment started she walked out of the rehab centre unaided. She says that since the beginning of this treatment she has managed to lead a completely normal life – she has travelled to five continents and is currently doing a PhD in Psychology at Leeds University, UK. Ayres was one of 27 patients treated during this open trial. Many of them experienced similar remarkable reductions in relapses. This study was not a controlled one. This means there was not one group of patients on the drug treatment compared to another group on a placebo. The ten new studies are controlled ones. The treatment does have potentially serious side-effects, including leukaemia and cardiac problems. However, for many MS patients, it is still worth the risk.

Journal of Neurology

Written by: Christian Nordqvist

Editor: Medical News Today 

Some people I know say the cure for MS is somewhere near…Hope they are right.

Is MS Fatal?

wow…I found this just now when surfing… shocker.

As a group, people with MS have a life expectancy estimated at 6-7 years less than the general population. The vast majority of people with MS die from the same diseases as everyone else–heart disease, cancer, or stroke.

Death caused directly by an MS lesion is extremely unusual. Without adequate medical care, it might result from a lesion in the part of the brain that regulates breathing or from large areas of demyelination that interfere with life-supporting systems in the body. Certain complications of advanced MS, such as severe urinary tract infections, pneumonia, or extensive skin breakdown, can also threaten life and may prove fatal even with adequate treatment. Modern antibiotic therapy and sophisticated supportive care strategies make it possible to control these problems in most cases. Severe untreated depression is also known to be responsible for the relatively high suicide rate among people with MS. The Society is committed to educating our community about the importance of identifying and treating MS-related depression.

The contradiction is apparent but not real: severe MS or its complications may be fatal, but the likelihood is so rare that MS cannot be considered a fatal disease.

COPYRIGHT 2002 National Multiple Sclerosis Society
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group

Contradicting? Yeah..but still scary! :p

Epidemology of MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common primary neurological disorder of young adults in most countries, affecting approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. It is a common cause of disability: up to 60 percent of patients are no longer fully ambulatory 20 years after onset of the condition.

This burden of disability can markedly reduce the person with MS’ ability to perform everyday activities and significantly impairs their quality of life. Moreover, because the disease often develops at about the age of 30 years, there is a substantial financial cost, both to the person with MS and their family and to society as a whole, resulting from loss of productivity.

Multiple Sclerosis World Map

Data from 4 decades ago… probably not the case anymore, but it is still pretty close to reality (they say that MS is more present in the northern hemisphere…)

Yet again…

injection day….not fun. Many wonder about MS…it is actually quite a strange and unpredictable disease that varies from person to person. This makes it additionally difficult for the person with MS as well as the people around him/her to understand what is going on and why, as well as accept it… yet another tough fight for those involved (as if life hasn’t given us enough already :p )

MS GDP

The MS Global Dinner Party is going to be taking place on February 24th.. I am not yet quite sure what kind of party I am going to organize in order to raise money for the fight against MS…but I think food will definitely be part of it:) gotta think of some games to do..or something…you are all welcome join me and many others around the world and organise your own MS GDP;)

– for more information visit www.msif.org –

First signs…

Following Lhermitte’s sign, AKA the Barber Chair phenomenon (the electric shock-like sensations that extend down the spine and all the way to the limbs after flexing the neck) and subsequently optic neuritis on my right eye, it was in early December 2004 that I started various tests. The diagnosis came about a month and a half later – it was Multiple Sclerosis. Up to that day, I didn’t know what MS actually was. The big eye-opener came when I was told that I have to control the disease once weekly by administering interferon beta 1a intramuscularly! Not only was I told that there is actually NO cure for MS but also that I had to use needles in order to control it! I have always hated needles and so the idea of having to inject myself once a week simply devastated me. For a whole month, I amazingly injected myself with no help whatsoever – no problems! I believe that it is after this period of incomplete awareness when I realized what was going on was actually a very serious thing; MS IS an incurable disease that will stay with me forever. After that month I simply could no longer inject myself; I totally blocked. A month of administering the injections with the help of my nurse passed by and I was finally given a personal injector. This was a great help for my troubles. It was so much easier to just put the injection in the injector, press the button and insert the medicine… What a relief! Since then I have been using this little device (long over a year now), but from time to time I do come to think that I might do without it (albeit I never actually tried to do so). The acceptance period was a though one. I believe I am still not over that phase, but I am definitely moving forward on the acceptance scale.

Life

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming: Wow! What a ride!“

MS

What is Multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most prevalent diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and directly affects an estimated 2.5 million people around the world.

Myelin, one of the fatty substances that sheathe, insulate and protect nerve fibres, aids the rapid transmission of nerve signals throughout the body. It is the speed and efficiency with which these impulses are conducted that permits smooth, rapid and co-ordinated movements to be performed with little conscious effort. MS attacks this myelin, disrupting the ability of the nerves to transmit signals to and from the brain and producing the various symptoms of MS.

The sites where myelin is lost (plaques or lesions) appear as hardened (scar) areas. In MS these scars appear at different times and in different areas of the brain and spinal cord.

Quick Facts…

• More women than men have MS, with a ratio of two men to three women affected.
• Sclerosis means scars; these are the plaques or lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
  
• MS is not directly hereditary, although genetic susceptibility plays a part in its development.
  
• MS is not contagious.
• There are a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, balance and co-ordination problems and visual and cognitive disturbances.
• There is no drug that can cure MS, but treatments are now available which can modify the course of the disease.